A TEST cricketer who was banned for 10 years after going on the rampage at a match is back in action - and could make a sensational return to his Oldham club.
Mark Vermeulen, 30, was thrown out of the English game for hurling the ball at spectators while playing for Werneth at Ashton in September 2006.
Amid extraordinary scenes the all-rounder had to be wrestled to the ground. Video footage capturing him screaming and ranting.
Vermeulen's 10-year ban was cut to three years by the Central Lancashire League. But Vermeulen returned to his native Zimbabwe and got in deeper trouble when he burned down the country's national academy.
He faced a punishment of hard labour and 25 years in prison. But medical reports revealed his erratic behaviour had been brought on from an injury he received in 2004. While batting for Zimbabwe against India, he top edged a ball which smashed into his helmet, leaving an indent in his skull.
After hearing the reports the court cleared Vermeulen, 30, on the grounds that he had not been in control of his actions. Desperate to play for his country he then offered to donate any match fees to rebuilding the academy.
And earlier this year he made his return with a dramatic innings of 92 against Bangladesh.
A spokesman for Werneth said they were 'delighted' at Vermeulen's recovery and added that they would not rule out him making a return when his ban expires next year. Vice chairman John Wilson said: "He was a lovely lad and I couldn't be happier that this has happened. It wasn't his fault that he was hit on the head.
"I don't think he could come back as the paid professional but if he wanted to come back as an overseas amateur and get his head down for a year I'd welcome him.
"I'd hate to see him come back and play for someone else because knowing him he'd probably get 100 against us."
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If Mark Vermeulen does return to play for Werneth all spectators at any game that he plays in should be provided with appropriate and adequate head and body equipment to protect them from this one man demolition squad.
Saw the clip on sky sports a couple of years ago. it was hillarious the man is a complete nutter I would go just to give him a bit of sledging.
The club official who gave him a good hiding will be needed just incase he decides to trow the cricket ball at elderly spectators and try to attack them with a boundery marker again.
He acted like he was the Incredible hulk about to change until he got decked.
If its on you tube its well worth a viewing.
How could he be an amateur he batted for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh this morning although only briefly, and which club in this Country has an Insurance Company that would allow this risk, he has failed in his last two matches but prior to that he has been on fire!
Have they sorted out the dent in the noggin?
Although he received a head injury which contributed to his actions, he is totally nuts. Stand by for more shenanigans on the pitch. Just hope no one get seriously hurt!
I saw this on sky sports news when it happened - it was hilarious!!!! The fact that he got battered by an old bloke was classic!! If he does start playing again will he be asking for bodyguards incase there is a gang of old people waiting to finish it?
Don't know if he is any good at cricket, but he certainly can't take a punch from a pensioner!!!
Blimey! I think the Vice Chairman needs to have his head examined too. Is this some sick joke bearing in mind todays date? I wouldn't give a penny for this guy. There will certainly be Fireworks if he does return. Luckily the Fire Brigade are close at hand on Hollins Road.
Crickets Borin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOiaGrI-Tao
Mrs Jammy watch the video again, this is not an old man battering him its the lead singer of The Prodigy, oh my god a twisted fire starter!
The Vice chairman John Wilson said: "It wasn't his fault that he was hit on the head" ...Yep I agree, having watched the video again its definitely the fault of the overweight ginger pensioner who keeps hitting him on the head.